Co-written by Beverley Lennon

Having seen almost all parts of Bali, I was quite excited to hear about the direct flight offers from Kuala Lumpur to Banyuwangi (East Java). Although; to be completely honest, I did not know what to do there except from hiking up to Ijen Crater and chasing the blue fire flames (typical right?).

Well, after having spent some days there, I can now tell you that there’s much more to see and explore. It’s a rather laid-back and slow-paced destination – nothing compared to Bali but it’s a good break when you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Kuta for instance!

From its unique Osing culture to remarkable natural wonders, Banyuwangi sure lives up to its reputation as “The Sunrise of Java”! Besides, you can also find some comfortable stays with stunning views of Bali Strait (and Bali in the background).

So if you can’t think of any other destination besides Bali (again!) for your next travels, give a go to Banyuwangi – you might as well combine your trip and cover two destinations at one go since there’s also a direct flight from Bali to Banyuwangi now!

Option 2: Take a shuttle van from Denpasar to Banyuwangi. You can book here and prices start from Rp. 180,000 (Approximately USD $12.60)

When is the best time to travel?

We recommend travelling during the months of June to September, when the weather is sunny. Do avoid the rainy months, which are from January to May and November to December.

1. Talk a walk with elves and fairies at this whimsical forest – Jawatan Benculuk

Make your “Lord of the Rings” fantasy come true and venture deep into the Forest of Fangorn of Banyuwangi!

Here, hundreds of Trembesi trees branch out in irregular directions and ooze out mystical exotic vibes, creating a perfect location to snap pictures with surreal backdrops. Staying until sunset time means you get to relish magical golden rays piercing through the canopy, so you might not want to miss this show!

Photo Via Djawatan

I imagined how magical it would be to set up a picnic here; it’s like taking a jump into Alice in Wonderland with elves and fairies hiding in the bushes – a forest of fantasy!

Located in Alas Purwo National Park and a symbol of Javanese civilisation, Purwo Temple rises from the mangrove forest and is placed at the confluence between two rivers.

Photo Via Wira_Rh

Built to remind the Javanese about their ancestors and origin, and that the archipelago was first discovered in the East,the temple is aptly named “purwo”, which means oldest. It is also nestled in the oldest forest in Java.

Strategically situated at the crossroads between islands, the temple is a unique place where different communities visit and offer their prayers, especially the Hindus from Bali and the Hindus from Tegaldlimo district.

Photo Via Vivirdaus

Today, various rituals, art and cultural performances and local social gatherings are being held there.

3. Traversing plantations and mountains by train: Kalibaru Rail Tour

Don’t want to drive or walk excessively to enjoy the natural scenery of Banyuwangi? Why not take a rail tour?

Starting from Kalibaru station to Mrawan PP station, the rail tour will take you through coffee plantations at 400 metres high, passing Mount Gumitir with its fresh air, and also stop briefly in a dark tunnel where you can snap some quick photos.

Photo Via Antarafoto2

Photo Via Frinoka, Pecintawisata

One rail train has a capacity of only 16 passengers, and you can either rent the entire train for Rp.1,200,000 (approximately USD $90) or at less than Rp.100,000 per person (approximately USD $7.50). The trip will take around 50 minutes.

Photo Via Antarafoto

Besides enjoying natural scenery from the train, you will also learn about the history of the railway system in Indonesia. The rail tour operates on Saturday and Sunday, but it is still possible to book a trip on weekdays if you wish to do so.

🌋Note: The recommended departure time from the hotel is 12am (midnight) but note that the tour offered by Dialoog Banyuwangi is fully customizable.

It took about 20 minutes after starting our hike up Ijen Crater to realise that this was a terrible idea. Similarly, it took us about 10 minutes to realise that it was all worth it! Of course, I am not necessarily fit so I might be exaggerating here!

Though some claim they can do it in 1 hour or even 45 minutes; we took a good 2 hours (nearly) to reach the crater, before going down to the blue flames and battling through thick clouds of sulphur smoke!

You’ll begin very early in the morning (around 1am) so I recommend you to pack some snacks and drinks or you could settle down at the local eatery at the entrance for a comforting bowl of instant noodles and fried banana.

We began our walk and it was pretty easy at the start until the several steep roads which had my emotions completely mirroring an actual volcano – peaceful and quiet at times and rumbling (or rather exploding) with boiling frustration at other times!

What made it even more challenging was the cold wind and the sight of several hikers giving up. But we indeed made it to the top. What brings people to Ijen isn’t necessarily its greenish lake but also its unique blue flames down the crater (however, according to government officials it is illegal and rather dangerous to go down).

But having come all the way here, we decided to explore further and get an up-close-and-personal look of the iconic blue flames. Hear me – you will need a proper mask if you do not want to suffocate. A proper functioning torch would be of great help too as you’ll be going down the crater while it is still pitch dark!

Photo Via Casutch, Karl_shakur

Personally, I still consider the sunrise view as the highlight of the hike – conquering Ijen Crater rewarded us with some of the most fascinating views that we have ever seen. At around 5.30am, the sky slowly enlightens with beautiful shades of purple, blue, orange and pink. At this moment, all pain and exhaustion were forgotten.

As the sun slowly rose, the scenery turned out to be beyond incredible to behold, and we found ourselves snapping numerous pictures in an effort to capture the beauty.

Without a doubt, hiking Ijen Crater was one of the most physically and mentally challenging things that I have ever done. The incline, the loose pebbles and the altitude contributed to all challenges and the way down wasn’t easier either.

5. Take a trip down memory lane – Kampoeng Primitif Purwodadi

What was it like to be alive during the primitive times? A question we sure all have but it is one that is quite hard to answer.

At this village in Banyuwangi, you get to be part of a tribe! How fascinating is that? Personally, I’ve spent a lot of time researching about visiting tribes in Indonesia and this seems to give you a taste of what it’s like!

Of course, they aren’t part of any traditional tribe – in fact it is merely a replica that serves as a tourist attraction but hey only you know it, right? I am pretty sure your friends can be convinced that you’re at an actual tribal village as the entertainers here are dressed (with barely anything on) just like primitive people! You’ll be able to row through a river and visit traditional houses throughout your visit at the village.

6. Lose yourself among the pine trees at Songgon Tourism Village

Long ago, Songgon Tourism Village was a shared land where residents grow pine trees and other plants such as chilli, ginger and corn.

Photo Via Wsatapinus_Sgn

Now, it has become one of the most visited new spots in East Java due to its increasing popularity on social media.

So many Instagrammable photo spots have been constructed for tourists – treehouses that you can really climb onto, colourful lampions you can play with, red umbrellas on trees, and a gate decorated with flowers.

The best one? Hammocks! Aren’t they just the best things for a holiday?

Photo Via Cittywulan

Photo Via Gungde_Agung

We highly recommend you to visit during weekdays, unless you want to queue for every photo location!

7. Celebrate bamboo art: Gintangan Bamboo Festival

Gintangan Festival takes place every year and is probably one of the most unique festivals in Indonesia.

During the festival, the village of Gintangan will showcase exquisite bamboo designs made by the local village craftsmen. Bamboo as a medium is presented as art and fashion icons, and you can find bamboo products, trinkets and accessories!

Photo Via Lynda-Fieulien-Lie

You may have heard of them – Gintangan is nationally known as the centre for bamboo craftsmanship since the 1980s, and has been exporting products to other neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Japan.

And unlike many other major touristy festivals in the region, Gintangan Bamboo Festival was actually initially started as an initiative by the villagers to showcase their work during an annual parade.

Photo Via Arofikjono, Ninasakina22, Bboy, Ivany

Don’t forget to check the dates for the next Bamboo Festival on thisIndonesia Events siteand get your cameras ready!

8. Wake up to views of Bali from your balcony! – Dialoog Banyuwangi

Located smack-bang on a beautiful stretch of black sand beach, Dialoog Banyuwangi is where you want to stay while on holiday in Banyuwangi.

It has been a couple of months after our visit and I still can’t get it off my mind – there’s something very special about waking up to stunning views of nearby Bali Island right from your balcony.

If one of the main reasons you’re coming over to Banyuwangi is to hike to Ijen Crater, this hotel is bound to be your comfortable abode – they’ve seriously got everything for you to relax and take in ultimate tropical vibes.

Rooms are meticulously thought-out and I would recommend it to couples especially. Other than that, you have a beautiful well-manicured garden lying ahead and you’ll also find delectable food options at their Casabanyu Restaurant & Bar (try their steak!!). We also thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing time at their spa which was perfect to indulge in muscle-melting body treatments after our hike to Ijen Crater.

So friends, if you want amazing food, good views and comfort, then opt-out of the basic guesthouses in the surroundings and book yourself a room at Dialoog Banyuwangi!

(Enjoy 10% discount on your hotel stay and activities if you book directly on the website with promo code: ijennighthike) *Note: The promo code is valid until end of Sep for stay period till Dec 2019*

9. A stay that transports you to Sri Lanka! – Villa So Long

If you’ve been to Sri Lanka, you sure know what I am talking about – palm-fringed escape, of course!

Villa So Long is the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional; the location itself is stunning as the property sits on an expansive stretch of black sand beach while the villas bring you back in time with a unique touch of local Osing culture.

Photo Via Amronpaulyuwono

In here, you’ll be sleeping in wooden villas by the sea (yes, all villas face the ocean!).

Throughout the day, if you aren’t lounging on the day bed located on your villa terrace, you can find a spot around the lawn area to relax on a hammock!

Photo Via Chacathakya15, Indrabrasco, Citraa_hk

Chances are you’ll skip a dip in the sea as it does not look very inviting due to the black sand but we’re sure you might consider a plunge in the swimming pool at Villa So Long. The vibes here are laid-back and trust me, it’s all you need when on vacation to Banyuwangi as after all you want to make the most of its bustle-free ambience.

Photo Via Littletwins_official

There’s also a restaurant for your every need and personally, I think the stay is value-for-money, considering the location and the best bit – views over the Bali Strait are complimentary!

We never get bored of Waterfalls

Indonesia is peppered with some of the most gorgeous waterfalls, many hidden, and some require tough souls and persevering hearts to be able to behold their magnificence and beauty.

Banyuwangi is no exception. Need we say more?

10. Gaze in awe at multiple waterfalls – Air Terjun Blawan

Photo Via karinadila8921

Why look at one waterfall when you can see many more at the same time? Blawan Waterfall cascades down a series of rocky outcrops, creating the effect of many waterfalls rather than just one. Nature lovers will definitely be blessed by this stunning gift of nature!

Photo Via chinhoithong, hot_chilli_ram

11. Three waterfalls in one: Jagir Indah Waterfall

Dubbed as the “three-in-one” waterfall, Jagir Indah is a unique waterfall formation where three different water currents are shaped and fall from 50 metres high. Other names for this natural beauty include Twin Waterfall, Sister Waterfall, and even Angel’s Waterfall (due to its clear water where it is said that angels take their bath).

Photo Via Oddzhaheho

“Indah” means beautiful, a very apt name for this magnificent sight.

Here, you can chill at a shelter spot, and find various local snacks and souvenirs to bring home with you.

Photo Via Shindi_Ayu

Jagir Indah Waterfall

Address: Anyar, Taman Suruh village, Glagah subdistrict, Banyuwangi district.How to get there: You can get easy and quick access to the waterfall. From the city of Banyuwangi, drive in the direction towards Kalibendo. The road to Kalibendo will take around 20 minutes. The position of Jagir Indah waterfall is 1 km east from Kalibendo, near the Kalibendo plantation.Coordinateshere.

12. A waterfall at the foot of Mount Raung: Pertemon Waterfall

You won’t regret stopping by at Pertemon waterfall, as the clean air and dense plantations on the way there will refresh your mind.

The beautiful one-kilometre walk from the nearby village will pass by a coffee plantation, mountain slopes, rice terraces, and clear rivers. Can you even ask for more?

Photo Via Jatimparadise

The villagers of Sambrungrejo are very friendly and they will show you around.

Located near Mount Raung, the water at Pertemon is very cold and fresh. If you’re brave enough (for the cold water!), let the waterfall shower you with its freezing spray!

Pertemon Waterfall

Address: Dusun Sambungrejo, Desa Bayu, Kecamatan Songgon, Banyuwangi.How to get there: From Banyuwangi city, drive in the direction of Rogojampi subdistrict. After passing Rogojampi market, follow the directions to Wana Wisata Rowo Bayu. From Rogojampi, you will need around 30 minutes to reach Wisata Rowo Bayu, and from there, you need to drive for another 3 km to the last village near Pertemon. Just follow the street directions to Pertemon, and when you arrive, walk for 1 km by foot. Once you come across the flanked cliffs, you are almost at your destination.Coordinateshere.

13. Find this hidden waterfall hidden in the middle of the rice fields – Air Terjun Kembar Arum

I spend much of my time doing research on where to escape next and waterfalls play a big part of my travel plans. In fact, this one right here might well influence me to travel back to Banyuwangi very soon!

Although the most beautiful waterfall I have seen is Tumpak Sewu – hidden deep in the jungles of East Java, Air Terjun Kembar Arum in Banyuwangi seems to be rather special too.

Photo Via Malolephoto, Tuanmuda_travellerPhoto Via Suka_senja

This waterfall is secretly located in the middle of the rice terraces! It is also unique on its own as the waterfall is divided into 7 to 8 different streams where you can see water gushing down from up high!

Photo Via Rudyms85, Nindyardhini

What’s more, it is considered rather safe to swim here (provided that you know how to!).

14. Drama at high peaks: Lider Waterfall

Falling from 60 metres high, this waterfall is nestled in a forest conservation area, surrounded by shady trees. Due to the powerful release of water at high altitude, a natural pool is formed at the base of the waterfall.

With a water source directly from the mountains at 1,300 metres above sea level, Lider waterfall provides clean and refreshing water.

Photo via aufabilly

At 45 kilometres away from Banyuwangi city, on the eastern slopes of Mount Raung, you can reach this waterfall easily via public transport, though it also involves quite a bit of walking and trekking.

Photo via winarno lulusingbudi

But trust us, your exhaustion will disappear at this dramatic sight – when you realise that it’s all worth it!

P.S. The view is even more spectacular in the morning when the rays of the sun are reflected on the cliffs sparkling with clear water, sending glimmers of golden rays in every direction!

Lider Waterfall

Address: Sumberarum Village, Songgon subdistrict, Banyuwangi district.How to get there: From Genteng Banyuwangi bus terminal, take a bus to Semu district (15 km away). You can choose to drive to Songgon village (10 km away) or walk and enjoy the clove plantations. Once you get to Lider, walk for 3 km more to the waterfall area. You can leave your vehicle at the post, and walk for another 1 km to the waterfall.Coordinateshere.

15. Bask in endless mountain views – Bukit Mondoleko Sragi

If you’re after good views, Bukit Mondoleko Sragi is where you want to be. This viewpoint offers endless panoramas of the top five surrounding mountains, namely; Mount Raung, Suket, Kendil, Meranti, and Merapi.

Photo Via Mamanrachman07

To relish on such stunning views, you’ll only be required to walk for approximately 1.5km – we say ‘walk’ as it is barely a hike.

Also, since the air here is fresh and even quite chilly at times, that makes it an easy task to conquer the viewpoint!

Photo Via Larengehits, Alphotoalkholik, Diandra_rosi

To add, there are good reasons to stop along the way as they’ve installed cool props around to play with for some funky Instagrammable pictures. You’ll also come across a sunflower field and a strawberry garden.

Once at the top of the viewpoint, you’ll understand why it was all worth it. You get to relish on endless mountain views! Oh, and we’ve also heard about a hidden cave located in the area, can you find it?

16. Take a boat ride through the mangroves – Mangrove Bedul Ecotourism

Besides its remarkable and unique Osing culture, we now know that Banyuwangi hides a wealth of natural wonders too!

Make your way to Alas Purwo National Park and sign up for their mangrove ecotour. This brings you through a thick mangrove forest, onboard a traditional local boat.

Photo Via Ran.dra-Wisata-Bedul-s.r.p.b

A few years ago, the area was turned into a conservation reserve and locals were trained about flora and fauna preservation. That way, they have turned their village into a tourist attraction with visitors coming to spot on unique species too – you’ll be able to find prawns, eagles, turtles, monitor lizards and more as you roam around the 2,300 hectares of mangrove forest.

17. Escape to a mini Africa! – Savana Sadengan

You can find a safari in Prigen (near Surabaya) and it seems like you can even find a savanna in Banyuwangi! Now, who needs to go to Africa?

Escape to the wild and relish on unique species roaming free at Savana Sadengan – if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to spot on bulls, deer, wild boars, eagles and even leopards!

Photo Via Ainyamelya, Banyuwangi_tourism

You’ll be safe up on an observation post and for a better experience, we highly recommend you to bring a pair of binoculars. It’s a fun family-friendly activity to opt for, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Photo Via Bunirfan, Fitriaupits, Trijani

And for even more excitement, why not opt for their safari jeep tour that takes you around the expansive terrain and even closer to wild animals?!

18. Immerse in local culture and traditions at the foot of Mount Ijen – Taman Gandrung Terakota

We know terracotta statues are quite popular across China so it was a bit of a surprise to learn about this park filled with terracotta-made dancing statues in Banyuwangi.

Photo Via Fathanyogi07Photo Via Banyuwangi_tourism

Here, you can immerse in the local culture and admire unique pottery creations. Most visitors come to pose next to the statues and imitate their dance moves but it really is up to you to get creative!

Photo Via Nindinazmey, Nikenprameswarii, Edy.pranoto.37625

Best yet, you can even catch some actual dance performances while here since they regularly organise traditional Gandrung dance shows at the outdoor amphitheater. Settle down to relish on beautiful moves from the local dancers while being surrounded by the natural charm of rice fields and Mount Ijen resting at the back!

20. Wake up to a mesmerizing view of the volcano: Ijen Resort & Villas

Haven’t found the best place to stay in Banyuwangi? You will never regret staying in this resort.

Every room offers a beautiful view of the harmonious gardens, green carpets of paddy fields, jungle woods, and the majestic Mount Ijen.

You can enjoy the priceless panorama not only from your balcony, but from all areas in the resort, such as the restaurant and swimming pool. Just imagine lounging by the pool with a book, some refreshments, and this amazing view.

Photo Via Voiceoverindonesia, Cia 14

Located at 643 metres above sea level, with the closest residential home being 700 metres away, you can be sure your privacy is guaranteed.

Photo Via Pratiwijaya88

If you ever get bored within the resort (which we doubt!), you can request for the staff to arrange outdoor activities for you, such as exploring nearby villages, taking a walk along the rice fields, or visiting the coffee plantation at Kaliklatak by renting a jeep.

21. Dine with Ubud’s rice paddy views: Pondok Indah Banyuwangi

Do you know that Banyuwangi has beautiful rice paddy landscapes comparable to those in Ubud, Bali? You can actually enjoy this view while digging into the delicious dishes at Pondok Ingah Banyuwangi restaurant.

Photo Via Miauwcantik, Karencahyono

The owner of this restaurant intentionally built this place 10 kilometres away from the city centre, so that visitors can escape from the urban fatigue.

Photo Via Andreyongz, Blestarisa

You can find this isolated restaurant if you travel in the direction of the trails to hike up Mount Ijen. The parking area is also a distance away from the restaurant, so you can dine in a pollution-free environment.

You can dine in wood cottages here, including a unique cottage at the edge of the slope directly facing the rice paddies, with Ijen in the background. If not, you can always dine at the outdoor tables too.

Photo Via Rijal160

A must-try from the menu are their various processed fries, which are a specialty in Banyuwangi, such as Pepes Oling, Oling Pedas, and Tongseng Oling. If you don’t like fries, you can also opt for Pedho Grilled Rice or the Village Grilled Chicken.

For refreshments, try the Green Diamond Lime made from lime and Japanese cucumber. Do you know of any other drink that’s more refreshing than this?

22. Find indigenous homes and take part in a traditional coffee festival at Osing Kemiren Village

Every region in Indonesia has long-lasting ancestral traditions and Banyuwangi is no exception. A stop in Osing Kemiren village will offer you authentic insights of the lives of an indigenous tribe called the Osing tribes.

Photo Via Lili Soesilo, Edwin Wijaya

The local people inhabiting this village, situated at 15 kilometres from the city centre, preserve ancestral traditions from the Majapahit Kingdom era in Java. The name “Kemiren” is derived from the names of two different types of trees, ‘kemiri’ and ‘duren’ that once grew on the land where the village sits on today.

Photo Via Faslah Rinaldo, Agus Susanto2, Adventure Wisata

The heritage endowed by the Osing tribe are century-old houses, including the main performance hall used today to practise and perform local dances such as Gandrung, Angklung Paglak, Barong Kemiren, Othek, and many others. If you have the chance to witness any one these performances, you’ll notice that sweets and local traditional food are served.

Photo Via Vicky.Buyung, Widya_0192

The village also holds annual festivals and parades to maintain their unique traditions. Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu, (from Javanese, meaning Ten Thousand Coffees) is a famous coffee festival attracting thousands of visitors every year. As the festival name suggests, the organizers not only prepare ten thousand coffees, but they also place the coffees along the streets and in front of the villagers’ homes, that can even be tasted by pedestrians who are passing by!

23. Conquer one of the toughest mountains in Indonesia: Mount Raung

If you love a dose of adrenaline during your travels, take the challenge to climb the second highest mountain in East Java, Mount Raung.

Photo Via Hamdanii Azmi

But before you get all excited, do bear in mind that hiking this mountain is very tough and requires prior hiking experience.

Geographically, Mount Raung belongs to Banyuwangi, Bondowoso and Jember districts. Raung is different from other neighbouring mountains due to its 500-metre-deep caldera surrounded by a grayish rim.

Photo Via Lukman Anggara88

You can hike up one of Mount Raung’s four peaks – you will pass by Bendera (the Flag Peak), 17 Peak, Tusuk Gigi (Toothpick Peak – named after its towering pillars), and the highest point at Sejati (Real Peak) at 3,344 metres.

Photo Via Raung Camp

Raung Mountain is the second most active volcano in Indonesia after Mount Tambora, and enjoying its uniqueness and beauty is no picnic to start with. The hike up is one of the most difficult and extreme ones in Java Island, and an expert level of trekking, hiking and rock climbing is required to complete your mission.

Photo Via Peakk Adventure, Lorenzia Sanjaya

But if you are a seasoned hiker, you can be sure that all your efforts will be paid off when you reach the peak and enjoy the spectacular view.

Photo Via Peakk Adventure, Noviyantikartika1

24. Pack a picnic lunch and catch sunset with deer and monkeys in the savannah-oh-na-na – Baluran National Park

With the sun setting as early as 5.30pm in Banyuwangi, we made sure to catch it somewhere rather special. At Baluran National Park, we stepped right into “The Circle of Life” from The Lion King!

As we drove in, it felt like we were in an African savanna. We had the greatest (or not so) idea to set up a picnic under the tree, only to be chased by monkeys within a few minutes! Hear me: they’re quite an aggressive species so you might not want to mess with them! Besides the silly monkeys, the national park is known to home deer, peacocks, bulls and we had the chance to spot some of them, along with stunning herds of toucans on their dinner mission.

Since there was time until sunset, we drove to the end of the Route 66-like road and made it to the beautiful hidden Bama Beach. Cross over after the mangrove forest and you’ll get to enjoy a quiet stretch of white sand with very few locals!

As the sky slowly got ready for the night to fall, we went back to the national park and relished the ball of fire setting low behind the stunning mountain range. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy at sunset time but who knows, you might be luckier than us and get your ultimate African sunset right in East Java!

Located at the eastern tip of Java, Banyuwangi has many beautiful beaches comparable to those in the island of the Gods. Here are a few we’ve discovered for you.

What could have brought these abandoned ships to this particular beach in Banyuwangi? We are not sure either – in fact, no one knows!

Photo Via Agstn_dmynt_

The location has been doing the buzz around social media lately as eventually, what used to be just abandoned ships have turned into Instagrammable props! It’s mostly known among locals but remains a hidden gem nevertheless.

Photo Via Putri_tri323Photo Via Nda.zacharias, Ranijinggamelody

If you’re planning to visit, you might well want to get some information from locals in the surroundings too – who knows, they might have the answer to this mystery!

26. Release baby turtles at Sukamade beach

Want a meaningful and different holiday by the beach? At Sukamade beach, you can help to release hatchlings and baby turtles into the sea.

Part of the Meru Betiri National Park with rich fauna and flora, Sukamade is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its endangered giant turtles.

Photo Via Littlejaajaa

You can join a guided tour participate in the release of baby turtles, with just a small fee of Rp.50,000 (approximately USD $3) per group to UPKP (Management Unit for Turtle Conservation).

Photo Via Debster24, Saandraholmgren, Tessatioarina

You can even stay till late (from 7.30pm till midnight) to watch the turtles lay eggs. One option is spend the night at a homestay in Sukamade village located 4 to 5 km away from the beach.

Sukamade Beach

Address: Meru Betiri National Park, Sarongan Village, Pesanggaran Subdistrict, Banyuwangi District, East Java.How to get there: The road to Sukamade beach is in the direction of Teluk Hijau beach or Rajegwesi. From Banyuwangi city, follow the way to Pesanggaran – Sarongan – Rajegwesi – Sukamade. The distance from Teluk Hijau is about 15 km, and it is a slow road due to rocks and the river. You can travel on this road via a motorbike or a car.

27. Paradise for the world surfers: Plengkung beach (G-Land)

Plengkung beach is well-known internationally among surfers. So it’s no surprise that this white sand beach in the Alas Purwo National Park is said to be the best surfing spot in Southeast Asia. It is even in the international list of the top 7 surfing spots in the world!

Photo Via Agentwisatabromo

If you’re looking for a high-level surfing experience, Plengkung beach, also known as G-Land, should be your priority between July and September. During these 3 months, the waves can reach up to 6 to 8 metres high. Such a surfing feast!

Photo Via Yayangsurya, Edipranto Tarigan

For non-surfers, you can simply come to enjoy the spectacular sunset, cycle in the national park, snorkel, fish, or sunbathe while watching the professional surfers.

Photo Via Campurjanggrang, Siateddy

You can even take up yoga classes here, directly on the beach!

Plengkung Beach (G-Land)

Address: Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi District, East Java.How to get there: From Banyuwangi, you can take a motorbike to Tegaldlimo for about 2 hours. From Tegaldlimo, travel for about 30 minutes to one hour to Pos Pancur at the Alas Purwo National Park. From Pos Pancur, you can reach Plengkung beach by walking for 2 hours, renting a jeep, or renting a trail bike from the National Park.Coordinateshere.

28. The green bay with a waterfall: Teluk Hijau beach

As the name suggests (“teluk” means bay and “hijau” means green), this beach is known for the green shade of its water. The underwater algae creates a green reflection on the surface, causing the water to appear as though it is the same shade.

Photo Via Clarasoca

Newly open to the public, this beach is still considered as a hidden gem kept in its natural condition. This is mainly because the way to get here is full of steep dirt roads, so it is less accessible for the usual travellers.

Photo Via Herlambangbgs, Anggirizk

The waves here are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. You can even find a waterfall on the shore!

Photo Via Laksi Mandina

Photo Via Iwan Putra2153, Jofunk.Reza, Endah Lestariati

Teluk Hijau beach

Address: Meru Betiri National Park, Sarongan village, Pesanggrahan Subdistrict, Banyuwangi district.How to get there: The distance from Banyuwangi to Teluk Hijau beach is about 90 km (2 hours’ drive). From Pos Rajegwesi, continue along the road that passes by a cliff, valley, and river estuaries for about 2 km until you reach the beach. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes! Another way to the beach is by sea – you need to rent a boat from Rajegwesi beach. The boat fee costs around Rp.35,000 (approximately USD $3) for a 15-minute ride.

29. Where the sea whispers: Tabuhan beach

This charming beach promises clean white sand and amazing clear water with colour gradations. The name “tabuhan” means beat, as the powerful wind looming in the bay creates a sound similar to percussion beats.

Photo Via Melindapriskila

The strong wind in Tabuhan beach has actually reached international recognition. The beach is best known for kite-boarding and windsurfing, as well hosting an international kitesurfing event.

Tabuhan beach is also blessed with coral reefs and colourful fish, so it’s an ideal place for snorkelling. If you get tired of water activities, you can try birdwatching – you may even discover rare birds such as Maleo or Helmeted Hornbill (Enggang Gading) – or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the beach.

Photo Via Repathony, Zein Zainal, Dissa Dissull

P.S. You will not only find a beautiful sunrise here, but also an enchanting sunset!

Photo Via Yanto Bejjo

Tabuhan Beach

Location: Bangsring village, Wongsorejo subdistrict, Banyuwangi district.How to get there: From central Banyuwangi, follow the road north to Bangsring village. From the village, you can rent a boat to Tabuhan beach. The ride is around 30 minutes and renting the whole boat (which has a capacity of 10 passengers) costs around Rp.500,000 (approximately USD $35).Coordinateshere.

30. A hidden paradise: Teluk Biru

With ocean blue, clear water, green cliffs, a small lagoon, and the place entirely to yourself, Teluk Biru has everything you look for in a beach getaway.

This hidden gem has an ecosystem that guarantees a genuine tropical experience for lovers of unexplored beaches.

Photo Via Haneztdjantiko

With such a rich and colourful marine life, you can snorkel and dive here the entire day. And if you’re into watersports, you can sail and waterski too!

Not fond of getting into the water? Why don’t you bring your own fishing kit and watch the sea from above?

The best part of this hidden spot is the sunrise – so come early!

Photo Via Gerrydarismon, Elokpi, Dwigamas

Teluk Biru

Address: Alas Purwo National Park, Muncar subdistrict, Banyuwangi district.How to get there: Take a travel car from Banyuwangi city, drive through Muncar before you reach Alas Purwo National Park. To reach Teluk Biru beach (part of the National Park), you need to rent a boat, which costs Rp.300,000 onwards (approximately USD $22).Coordinateshere

Do you know of any other off-the-beaten-path hidden attractions in and around Banyuwangi? Please comment and share with us, we would love to hear from you!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

Adelina lives in Yogyakarta since 2014. Prior to settling in the country, she travelled across islands backpacking and hitchhiking for almost one year. She likes to explore new places and never gets tired of what Indonesia has to offer. Adelina is very familiar with Jogjakarta’s artistic and cultural life, cuisine and tips for living like a local.